Archives for August 4, 2010

‘"We’re squarely focused on what we stated from Day 1 with our primary objective of this series and that’s to expand our market reach into the Greater Toronto Area," Brandon said during a conference call. "We’re very focused on regionalizing our brand and it’s all part and parcel with what we’re doing in Toronto.”’

‘AltaMAR Laser – a full-service laser job shop located in the Batavia Industrial Center on Harvester Avenue – cut team logos into the wood chair backs destined for suites at the stadium.’

‘Schobel has played for only Buffalo during his nine-year career, which began after the Bills selected him in the second round of the 2001 draft out of TCU. The 32-year-old had 10 sacks and 56 tackles in 16 games last season. In 133 career games, he has recorded 483 tackles, 78 sacks and three interceptions.’

‘Unfortunately for Gailey and Bills fans, there aren’t enough teacher’s pets or star students to offer hope of great offensive production. A team that needed help at quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver used its top-10 draft pick on a running back (C.J. Spiller), a position that wasn’t in bad shape with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch on the roster.’

‘However, Schobel’s agent, Jeff Nalley, told ESPN that Schobel intends to play in 2010.’

‘”I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Schobel stated via text to Buffalobills.com. “I’m going to take a week and then maybe, I would say within a two week period I’m going to go one way or the other, that’s for sure. I’m either going to try to get it going or I’m going to put my (retirement) papers in. That’s what I’ll do.”‘

‘"Every day it’s a challenge," Jim said. "We are still a work in progress, but if you need help, do it."’

‘It is going to be a difficult task for the Bills to start any better this season, as they face four of what should be the NFL’s very best teams — the Packers, Patriots, Jets and Ravens — in their first six games. A win in any of those seems highly unlikely, and that should set the stage for a season in which the only thing Bills fans will be talking about will be where, exactly, among the league’s bottom six teams their beloved team ranks.’

‘Nix calls the move “the fair thing to do,” and notes that the nine-year NFL veteran has still not made up his mind about his future. Nix’s decision comes two days after announcing the Bills were moving on without the linebacker, who had spent the offseason contemplating retirement.’

‘"Nah, that wasn’t luck, that’s him making plays on the ball," Scott said. "He has exceptional ball skills, great feet, great hands. He’s just so smooth. You don’t see too many guys who have that. He’s been blessed."’

‘No details have been leaked, but one sticking point could be length of the contract. Running backs tend to have among the shortest life spans in the NFL. Spiller’s representatives may be seeking a contract longer than the Bills are willing to give.’

‘"All I can tell you is we’re all still working on it," Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said after Tuesday’s practice. "Probably in a couple of days if he doesn’t (sign), I will have something to say, but at this point we don’t."’

‘On Batten, Gailey said: "We’re still in the decision-making process on the direction for him. It could be as early as two weeks. It could be as long as six weeks."’

‘”He’s an impressive player,” said Chan Gailey, Bills head coach. “He’s a quick study. Even though he wasn’t on the field early he knew what to do when he got in there. It’s been a pleasant, I don’t want to say surprise it’s just been a pleasant occurrence.”‘